the 2007/08 financial year
15 June 2007
"My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell
my people that I love them. They must continue the fight."
Comrades Speaker and Deputy Speaker
Honourable Premier
Members of the Executive Council present
Respected Members of the Legislature
Your Excellencies
Honorable guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It was on 6 April 1979 when the judicial murder was perpetrated by the
illegitimate apartheid regime. These profound words cited were expressed by no
other than Solomon "Kalushi" Mahlangu, the young and gallant combatant who
steadfastly defied the apartheid regime even when faced with the prospect of
death. Instead of instilling fear in the hearts of the youth, the brutal
tactics of the then oppressive regime backfired, multitudes of young people
swelled the ranks of the liberation movement determined to take over Pretoria
the then seat and symbol of all that was evil, racist, oppressive and
politically abhorrent. Comrade Kalushi's murder served as a spur for many young
people to pick up the baton and "continue the fight".
Comrade Speaker, we are just hours away from observing the 31st anniversary
of 16 June Soweto Uprising. As the ruling party in government, the African
National Congress (ANC), it is imperative that we ensure that the commemoration
of Youth Day is not only given lip service. It is engraved in our historical
annals as the day the blood of the multitudes of unarmed young people who
defied and challenged what was fundamentally wrong and evil was shed. There is
no honour more befitting these revolutionaries than introducing and
implementing pragmatic programmes aimed at advancing the interest of youth.
What we should all focus on is giving back to the youth what they rightfully
deserve growth, development and security.
If we fail in this duty, we risk being haunted eternally by the disgruntled
voices of the youth who will justifiably crucify this government for betraying
the spirit and essence of the national democratic revolution. Surely, we do not
want to be judged harshly by prosperity as the party that debunked the
Transformation Programme.
This year we are also commemorating 52nd anniversary of the adoption of the
Freedom Charter as the fundamental document that all freedom lovers should
translate into reality. We shall not relax in our quest to build sustainable
communities until we are satisfied that the vision of the Freedom Charter has
been fulfilled.
In our business, Comrade Speaker, the ideal that "there shall be houses,
security and comfort" will remain a guiding principle. The Freedom Charter
further states that, "slums shall be demolished and new suburbs built where all
have transport roads, lighting, playing fields, crèches and social
centres".
The ANC still believes that these ideals of the Freedom Charter are
pertinent to our business and they should serve as a guide to all our
activities. As we march forward in our fight against poverty, mushrooming of
informal settlements and segregated human settlements this guiding principle
becomes even more relevant.
When we assumed office in June 2004 we unveiled the Department's Five Year
Strategic Plan in which we committed ourselves to changing the apartheid's
housing development patterns. The idea of isolating the poor far from the
economic nodes as if to conceal them from the eyes of the world is not
sustainable. In fact such disgusting idea doesn't have a place in a democratic
state that many of our people died for.
To further demonstrate our commitment, in the period spanning June 2004 and
October 2006 we made tremendous strides by:
(1) creating over 160 000 new housing opportunities
(2) improving the lives of over 600 000 Gauteng residents thorough the
provision of infrastructure and housing
(3) providing 100 000 serviced stands with basic water and sanitation
(4) transferring 43 407 properties to rightful owners
(5) providing 96% of households with free basic water and 78% with free
electricity which is in line with our indigent policy
(6) implementing 282 community infrastructure projects including water,
sanitation, storm water, lighting, solid waste and community facilities
(7) implementing all urban renewal projects with more focus on upgrading of
infrastructure, stimulation of local economic development and creation of
sustainable jobs.
On the empowerment programme for the youth in particular, we continue to be
guided by the imperative of the national democratic revolution led by the ANC.
On 8 January, the ANC statement reiterates the centrality of youth interest in
our struggle for total emancipation as follows:
"Initiatives that relates to putting in place sustainable platforms for
economic growth cannot succeed without the massive participation of South
Africa's youth. This participation also serves as a bridge between the first
and second economies."
In line with this the Department has developed the Housing Development
Sector Involvement Strategy. It is an intervention seeking to priorities the
needs of the economically vulnerable and marginalised groups. The youth, women
and the disabled are central in this strategy. In terms of the strategy we have
committed to allocate R200 million per sector over the medium term expenditure
framework (MTEF) period reviewed annually on the basis of performance and
interest.
The strategy proposes three focal areas in which the marginalised groups
should participate meaningfully, project identification (with ring-fenced
budget), sub-contracting (with established developers) and maintenance through
urban renewal and 20 Prioritised Township Programme (20PTP).
Comrade Speaker, yesterday I had the privilege of visiting the youth managed
project in Hammanskraal West in which the Department invested over R24 million
to two youth companies to build 600 housing units. This is part of our targeted
intervention where 10 youth companies within the housing and construction
industry will be taken through the Empowerment Programme so that they become
established developers in their own right. The majority of our young people are
ready to do things on their own as long as favourable conditions are created
and opportunities provided.
Moreover, the Department will be enrolling 100 young people for training in
construction, financial management and project management. This will be done
jointly with Gauteng Youth Commission and Umsobomvu with National Home Builders
Registration Council (NHBRC) providing the technical assistance and
training.
As part of our empowerment strategy we have invested R200 million in 10
women owned construction companies. I had the opportunity to visit and perform
site inspection on some of the projects in Sedibeng, Metsweding, Tshwane and
Ekurhuleni. It is quite exciting to see women contractors making a material
difference in the lives of many people who have never owned a house before.
Ladies and gentleman, I am mentioning some of the achievements we have
registered as an indication of strong commitment and dedication to the
empowerment and promotion of the interest of vulnerable groups. We are pleased
that some of them are here with us in the Legislature today.
Coming back to the five key priority areas which are part of our five-year
plan, I must say we are on track with our delivery plan. These priority areas
are underpinned by the tenets of both the Gauteng Development Strategy (GDS)
and the Breaking New Ground National Strategy on housing. They comprise,
Mixed-Housing Development, Eradication of informal Settlements, Alternative
Tenure, Urban Renewal Programme and 20 PTP
Mixed-Housing Development
Through Mixed-Housing Development Programme we are steadily transforming the
spatial designs of our settlements by doing away with apartheid spatial designs
which created arid reserves for one group and plush suburbia for the other. So
far under this programme we have identified flagship projects for each region
in Gauteng where there is ongoing work which is at different phases and stages
of construction. Through these projects we will be able to realise our
objective of creating jobs as well as de-racialising human settlements and
create those that will accommodate all and sundry irrespective of ones
background, financial status or social standing. This is the type of commitment
we have made and we would like to be judged on.
In Tshwane we identified Olivenhoutbosch Ext 36 (Absa land) which is a mixed
development with 4 452 units in total and to date 714 houses have been
completed and occupied. The project is implemented in partnership with Absa
Bank and Tshwane Municipality. Since the project was launched on 31 January
2006, we have seen a lot of enthusiasm from all stakeholders and it is no
surprise that we have beneficiaries that have already taken occupation of their
houses and we are fortunate today that Mr Moodley and family as well as Mr and
Mrs Mathetja have joined us in order to share their experience and joy. We also
have Ms Zarah Curtis from Cosmo City. They now have a decent house close to
various socio and economic opportunities available to all residents
irrespective of their class and income levels.
Other projects such as Thornthree View and Nelmapius are also on track with
houses already constructed and ready for occupation.
In partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the Department is planning
another big mixed housing development called Doornkop Housing Development that
will consist of about 25 000 different housing units for various income groups.
The housing products intended for the project include fully subsidised housing
for the poorest of the poor, affordable housing for other low to middle income
households and middle to high bonded housing stock.
The project will also have an urban agricultural component and other
socio-economic amenities including commercial developments. In terms of the
plan we expect the project to hit the ground for the first phase development by
January 2008 and the entire project will be implemented over a five-year period
that is until 2012.
The Department is currently engaged in discussion with the International
Housing Company (IHC) based in Toronto, Canada which is willing to provide
humanitarian grant funding towards the Doornkop Mixed Housing Development
Project. The IHC will be making available in excess of $100 million US Dollars
over the period of three years of which will be facilitated via their appointed
non-governmental organisation (NGO), namely Peabud South Africa. The
arrangement is currently at a very advanced stage whereby a tripartite
agreement will be concluded between Peabud South Africa, Gauteng Partnership
Fund and the IHC.
The Cosmo City project which has now become a national symbol of mixed
housing development is well on track. When complete the project will have 5 000
low cost, 3 300 bonded and 3 000 finance linked housing units and 1 000
apartments for rent. The entire housing component of the project will be
completed by 2009.
Construction on the Alexandra K206 housing project started in January 2007.
The project brings 3 509 mixed tenure housing opportunities to the community of
Alexandra. The project marks a new approach to housing by providing two rented
rooms attached to the subsidy house. This approach to housing is a response to
a number of challenges facing the community. Firstly, city planners and urban
designers have been calling for greater densities in affordable housing
projects to enable maximum advantage of location.
The K206 through its cluster urban form has increased the housing density
from the traditional below 40 units per hectare to over 140 units per hectare.
In this way many people can enjoy decent housing on well-located land.
Secondly, by linking rented rooms to a subsidy house, the opportunity exists to
keep the rent paid within the community and thus providing economic opportunity
to those in need.
Thirdly, the provision of rented rooms begins to answer the complex question
of how to house people who do not qualify for a housing subsidy. The K206
project is an example of the innovation required if we are to meet the housing
challenge.
In partnership with Mogale City and Absa bank we have a identified joint
project in Kagiso/Azzadville where we will develop mixed housing with a total
of 6 800 different housing units. We expect the construction and installation
of services to commence in October/November 2007.
In response to the relocation of Bekkersdal, which is on dolomitic area in
the West Rand, we have identified Middelvlei /Droogeheuwel and Westonaria South
for a mixed development consisting of 15 643 different housing units. The
installation of bulk services will start in early January 2008 and construction
of houses later in the same year.
In Ekurhuleni, Chief Luthuli Ext 6 housing development is expected to yield
approximately 3 400 low cost housing units on even between 120 square metres to
180 square meters. The projects will also yield 3 821 high-density units to
accommodate mixed income groups. Provision is also made for socio and economic
amenities. The bulk infrastructure has been installed and proved to be
sufficient for the project and construction of houses will commence after the
appointment of a contractor. The project is expected to be completed by
2009.
The Leeuport Mixed Housing Development will be implemented in August 2007.
The income project bank ability study has been completed and will result in the
release of approximately 22 portions of land for mixed income development and
is expected to yield approximately 17 000 units over the next seven years,
which will include 4 000 rental units as well as the upgrading of an informal
settlement as part of the project.
Honourable members, all of the above mentioned mixed housing settlements are
new initiatives. This goes to show what the ANC policies are all about. The
significance of this approach is the fact that the sale and development of
high-income residential units will cross-subsidise an improvement of the level
of services in the fully subsidised areas of the development
Eradication of informal settlements
Comrade Speaker, our commitment to deal with poverty and create better life
for our people through provision of better housing by eradication of informal
settlements is one of our key priorities.
It is within informal settlements that the "urbanisation of poverty" is
thriving. Our commitment to the public is to ensure that all our people live in
decent, secure and habitable environments. In achieving this goal the
Department has identified 145 informal settlements that will be upgraded and
209 to be relocated in identified areas.
Our aim is to vigorously address the 600 000 units backlog on basic services
and infrastructure by 2009, through implementation of the incremental housing
approach. We are quite confident that our vision of eradicating informal
settlements by 2014 can be achieved if we work in partnership with various
stakeholders including communities that are to benefit in such initiatives.
With us here today we are honoured to have another beneficiary from Ekurhuleni
Mr Sammuel Mashinini who two months ago was staying in an informal settlement
in Alberton station but today he is a proud owner of a government-subsidised
house in Tinasonke in Ekurhuleni.
As a matter of fact, we have identified 10 informal settlements that will be
totally eradicated in this financial year across the province.
In Metsweding we have identified Rethabiseng Proper with 504 houses, Steve
Bikoville with 2 058 stands and houses will be provided resulting in 12 810
households having access to decent shelter and services.
In Tshwane we have identified Soshanguve HH with 650 houses that will result
in 3 250 households having access to proper housing and services. In
Johannesburg, Nomzamo 450 houses and Doornkop Thulani 970 houses resulting in 7
100 households having access to proper housing and services.
In Westrand/Sedibeng, Tshepisong Proper, 540 houses and Tshepiso Proper 935
houses resulting in 7 375 households having access to proper housing and
services. In Ekurhuleni, Kwa-Thema extension 12 we will deliver 433 houses and
Daveyton extension 12 deliver 662 houses with 5 475 households having access to
proper housing and services.
In addition to this effort we have intensified our efforts to provide
housing through Formal (Turnkey) Housing, Community Builder Programme and
Peoples Housing Process in the following areas:
Johannesburg: 15 985 houses; Tshwane / Metsweding: 16 380 houses;
Ekurhuleni: 13 753 houses and Westrand/Sedibeng: 13 618 houses. With the
provision of these houses we will see over 300 000 people per household having
access to shelter and thereby changing their lives for the better.
Moreover, the Department has undertaken to complement conventional housing
construction with alternative building technologies. In line with the new
comprehensive housing plan which aims to accelerate access to housing
opportunities these alternative technologies will assist in decreasing the
housing backlog as they prove to be faster in construction, labour intensive
(assist in job creation and skills transfer), offer a varied array of housing
choice to our beneficiaries and are within the subsidy. Already we have two
pilot projects that we are implementing in areas such as Nomzamo, Kaalfontein
and a third one is being finalised.
Alternative tenure
We are aggressively accelerating housing delivery by promoting alternative
tenure which provides alternative accommodation options for those not seeking
permanent housing. This is informed by observable evidence that shows that some
of our people prefer rental than having a permanent house in Gauteng.
We are also regulating relationship between landlord and tenants. In
addition, we are reviewing the authority of the housing tribunal to ensure that
its decisions are effectively enforced.
Through this initiative we will deliver 3 000 social housing units providing
diversified rental housing options for different income groups in 2007/08
financial year. This programme is targeting the inner cities throughout the
province.
Hostel conversion: This plan will ensure that we integrate hostels into the
neighbouring communities thereby moving away from the old apartheid dormitory
accommodation. In 2007/08 the focus will be on completing the following 13
hostels: Diepklook, Orlando, Dube, Kagiso, Mohlakeng, Saulsville, Mamelodi,
Refilwe, Sebokeng, Boipatong, Khayalitsha, Sethokga and Buyafuthu. We have
within our midst today representatives from one of our hostels in Tshwane who
have benefited from our interventions.
These are the people that have seen hardship and lived in inhumane
conditions for some time but today with our vision of making hostels a place to
live in, their lives have changed for the better. We therefore say to other
hostel communities your turn will come, work with us as we seek solutions to
the challenges.
We are committed to the integration of such facilities to the mainstream
housing development initiatives thus ensuring that hostel residents become
integral part of broader communities with whom they have so much in common.
Together with municipalities we are working out a plan to address
alternative property management and regulation of landlord and tenant
relationship for all of the above facilities. Our commitment is to provide
rental stock that will be affordable and accessible to all those who choose
this form of accommodation.
Backyard upgrade: A pilot project of 750 housing units is underway in
Orlando East and to date 726 individual beneficiary subsidy applications have
been approved by the Department, 439 units have been completed and certificates
handed over to the beneficiaries, 58 units roofed, 41 wall plate/roof level and
15 foundations.
Since this is the first of its kind in the province and the country as a
whole, there have been many challenges that we faced and some relate to quality
work, cash flow problems for contractors, landlord/tenants relationships and
small contractors not complying with norms and standards and availability of
material from suppliers.
I need to emphasise that this is a pilot and therefore many lessons and
challenges have been dealt with in a manner that will take the project forward
to its final stage. With us here today we have Mrs Khambule from Orlando East,
who have benefited from this project. She is here to bear testimony that our
interventions can make a difference and there is hope even for those that have
not yet benefited.
Following on the lessons learnt in Orlando East, I am pleased to announce
that the Department has extended the programme to Boipatong Township for the
construction of 750 units this year, planning for other areas will commence as
part of the 20PTP roll out plan.
Urban Renewal Programme
The decision we took to implement a programme aimed at the rehabilitation of
socio-economic infrastructure of our townships is beginning to bear fruits. The
Urban Renewal Programme has turned many of our targeted townships into busy
construction sites. This is happening in partnership with members of the
communities who have entered into a "people's contract" with the government to
improve the conditions in their own neighbourhoods. However, this is not
happening in an environment free of challenges.
Many of these challenges are a result of corrupt business individuals and
entities that are hell bent to swindle the public programmes. It is our
intention to continue exposing and dealing with them without any feeling of
mercy. We will continue to investigate, expose and arrest if necessary.
Comrade Speaker, in all three areas, Alexandra, Bekkersdal and Evaton, where
the programme is implemented we are seeing visible change and progress. We have
prioritised housing and support infrastructure as well as putting more effort
on attracting private investors. In Alexandra currently there are 38 active
projects of which work is happening with more focus on housing and
infrastructure development and upgrade.
In Bekkersdal our key focus is to relocate the township whilst at the same
time we rehabilitate the existing infrastructure focusing on Bekkersdal City
Business District (CBD) Precinct, Bekkersdal Multi-Purpose Community Centre
(MPCC) Precinct, Bekkersdal Gateway Precinct and Bekkersdal Industrial
Precinct.
'Owing to problems we picked up relating to the management of the programme
in Evaton Renewal Project, we resolved that a decisive intervention is
required. The Department has therefore designed a new approach that will focus
on high impact development by prioritising infrastructure upgrade and
development in a precinct fashion.'
For the following three years the project will focus on planning for land
acquisition and restitution, housing, engineering bulk infrastructure (water
and sanitation), roads and transport and local economic development (LED).
20 Prioritised Township Programme (20PTP)
In terms of the 20PTP projects we are on course with our plans. We have
completed all business plans and the alignment of Municipality Integrated
Development Plans (MIDPs) with the programme is under way.
We have consulted with all the stakeholders in all the regions and
municipalities around the projects that will be implemented in all affected
townships. So far the implementation has commenced in various areas. During
2006/07 we implemented projects to the value of R2,5 billion across the
province. These projects are accumulative and multi year and implementation
thereof will be completed by 2009.
During this year we expect to spend about R1,1 billion in identified
projects by both provincial departments and municipalities. Already work is
proceeding in 16 schools and four clinics identified by the municipalities.
Adjustment of the subsidy quantum
The Department has taken into account the proposal by the Minister and MECs
(MinMEC) to introduce the new subsidy quantum of R38 984,00 for the
construction of a 40 square metre house with effect from 1 April 2007. Owing to
the fact that in Gauteng we have already set targets and implementation of
current and ongoing projects which are 36 square metres is underway since 2004,
the MinMec proposal will be considered in the next financial year. So far in
Gauteng we have been topping-up the subsidy to accommodate the standards that
we have set.
Speaker, there is a predominant perception that the cost of building low
cost house is normally very cheap hence the end product is of low quality
compared to other housing products in the market. We have to dispel this myth
and empower communities and beneficiaries about the market value of such
houses. When we develop low cost housing we take into account the costs for
land acquisition, installation of bulk services and essential services such as
water and sanitation. Therefore the average cost for the low cost house is R88
000 to R105 000.
Housing challenges
In spite of the achievements we have made, we are still contending with a
number of challenges. The challenges we encounter range from delivery of poor
quality housing, maladministration and corruption, scarcity of land, poor and
unco-ordinated planning in some instances, ineffective enforcement of by laws
and unavoidable in-migration of people into Gauteng. This also has serious
implication in terms of urban management giving rise to unplanned growth of
informal settlements.
Recently we have witnessed an upsurge in complaints about service delivery.
The assumptions that if it has not happened to you its not happening must be
discourage. Within a short life of our young democracy, the government has been
able to transform the lives of millions of our people.
The assurance that we give our people is that if delivery has not happen in
your area it will soon happen as it did in other areas where people waited
patiently. We are also coming to your community. What we humbly ask for from
our people is co-operation and understanding as we strive to deliver on our
mandate. Above all it is also the responsibility of the law-abiding citizens to
protect and preserve the assets provided by the state. Do not destroy the
infrastructure that belongs to you, it is the tax money that you are
destroying. Work with us for a better Gauteng.
Comrade Speaker, as we continue with the implementation of our Five Year
Strategic Plan we are in constant search for innovative, cutting edge methods
for housing delivery. We are crafting a new developmental path aimed at
unblocking bottlenecks that hinder the realisation of our mandate. This
developmental trajectory focuses on various critical elements of the
Department's business.
We are currently exploring different options to fast track housing delivery.
Amongst these options we are looking at alternative technology, issues of
central planning, land acquisition and inclusionary policy. These options are
very critical especially if we want to ensure that the Millennium Development
Goal (MDG) of eradication of informal settlements by 2014 is realised. It is
our submission that such interventions will also go a long way in building
Gauteng as a global city region of note.
Our quest to deracialise and integrate people on well-located land cannot be
allowed to be undermined by processes of land acquisition. Alternative options
will have to be explored and fast tracked lest unplanned development will force
government to react and follow chaotic developments. During the past 13 years
our experience tells that there has been a very low number of willing sellers
unless faced with a situation that forces them to dispose of land. One of the
things we are envisaging is locating all public owned land under one government
entity discouraging parastatals and municipalities from disposing land at the
expense of the national transformation agenda.
To promote social integration across class, social strata as well as between
racial groups we have introduced the inclusionary policy that encourages the
developers of the up market estates to consider allocating a percentage of
their housing development to low-cost housing for low-income groups. Surely, Mr
Smith, an industrialist, must get used to staying next door to Ms Mabuza, the
housekeeper. Why do you need a helper in your opulent estate's kitchen and
garden during daytime yet you cannot stand the idea of sharing the same
residential space with him/her when nighttime comes. Is this not the prejudice
that we should rid our society of?
It is very unfortunate that the reality of our condition is such that we are
a nation rich in diversity, sharing the same geographical space and yet still
imprisoned by our own fears and prejudice. The inclusionary policy is
attempting among other things to redress such anomaly. Otherwise, the Freedom
Charter vision of "Peace and friendship amongst all our people and upholding
the equal rights, opportunities and status of all", (own emphasis) will remain
a pie in the sky.
Honourable members, in addition to all these innovations, the capacity of
the Department to deliver will be further strengthened as we explore the idea
of material acquisition, storage and dispensation. The warehousing of the
building material under the authority of the government agency and managed by
able and skilled personnel is being under consideration. We believe this will
assist us in speeding up delivery and reducing levels of homelessness in
Gauteng.
Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF)
The GPF has been instrumental in leveraging private sector funding and
filling market gaps to an extent that it provides a platform for possible
broader affordable housing interventions, such as guarantees to raise
international grant funding for housing projects.
GPF continues to create an enabling environment for private sector to enter
the sustainable social housing market by cementing partnerships for funding
affordable housing projects. The efforts have contributed to R200 million GPF
investment gearing over R500 million private sector investments to sustainable
integrated housing projects in Gauteng.
Fighting fraud and corruption
As part of our ongoing efforts to prevent acts of fraud and corruption in
housing delivery we will intensify our fraud awareness campaigns within the
Department. Eighty percent of staff has been trained in Fraud Prevention
Awareness.
We intend developing a Gauteng anti-corruption legislation which will serve
to inform those who do business with us about our stance on zero tolerance to
fraud and corruption. We will continue our efforts to uproot incidence of fraud
and corruption in housing to the full extent of the law.
Moving forward
As we move towards the realisation of 2014 vision we have identified issues
that need immediate attention, reducing the cost of doing business with
government, improving the commitment and upgrade the skills of civil servants,
improving communication with stakeholders and the public and focus all our
projects to the fight against poverty and unemployment. Our policies and
programmes are never and will never be crafted on the basis of sectarian or
racial considerations. Instead these will remain products of critical analysis
of conditions that prevail in society.
Comrade Speaker, I believe it is now clear to all the members and the public
how we are using our share of public purse. In addition, I hope it is even
clearer what we are going to expend our budget allocation on for 2007/08.
Although we would have been over the moon if we were given more, the amount
allocated is readily accepted and we commit ourselves to putting these
resources to good use without a cent of the allocation being misused.
It is in this context that I gladly present the 2007/08 budget allocation
for the Gauteng Department of Housing as follows:
Main Appropriation is R2,637,948 billion and shows an increase of 21,5%
compared to last financial year. This can be further broken down into the
following programmes:
1. Administration: R151 593 000
2. Housing planning and research: R15 432 000
3. Housing development implementation: R2 379 433 000
4. Housing property management: R91 490 000
Total: R2 637 948 000
Included under programme three budget allocation is the allocation of R125
million for the Alexandra Urban Renewal Project and R65 million for the 20
PTP.
May I also thank all our partners, stakeholders and ordinary individuals who
continue to lend their support to us. In unity we will persist to look for
different ways and means of speeding up housing delivery.
In conclusion, let me thank men and women who under the stewardship of the
head of Department (HoD), Ms Manching Benedicta Monama have diligently steered
the ship without fail. This also goes for wise guidance that the Department
enjoyed from the members of Standing Committee led by an ever vigilant comrade
Godfrey Tsotetsi. Our appreciation also goes to all officials responsible for
housing in various local authorities. It is through joint effort that we have
been able to achieve the goals we set out to attain.
Lastly, I want to express a great sense of appreciation for the support that
I am enjoying from the Premier and all members of the Executive Council.
Thank you!
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 June 2007
